Timer



Dec. 12, 1950 E. c. HARTWIG TIMER Filed March 24, 1948 .N @Nk N A INVENTOR bg fan/0rd C. Har! w/a'f L? BY WITNESSES:

l am? A ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 12, 1950 v533,318 TIMER 1.011, East Myiiiientieii relates to 'elettrici disentir e15- perertus,r and has particular relation 15o' Weldee det mmei p mar 45 ed' of the tiiiiiiie is iIy .by trie. meximm..

. Th, novel remates. that I eonsider characteristie' of my invj tier; are s etfforth with' parti'cuiertyfi'ilhe aioY dei c1at i ms My invention itself, rio ever; both ete' ttigitserger'iizatiqri and its jmetiisfoirm'e'r 3, ss theyseeendary, fs

is; er wiiiei' vertline electrodes 1 and s ere etntii err, thepre'meiter off which effe supplied with' The conductivity of the ignitrons |1 and I9 is controlled by a normally open movable contact 2| of a control relay 23. When this relay is energized, the contact closes a circuit through conductors 25 interconnecting the igniters 21 of the ignitrons through rectiers 29, preferably of the 4 91 of each regulator tube is connected to a sepa rate terminal line conductor. The regulator tubes are thus connected so as to conduct positive current in a direction from the control electrodes 43 to the cathodes 4| ofthe thyratrons 3|, 33, 35, and 31. Each of the voltage regulator tubes 9| and 93 is selected to conduct at a potential lower than the peak positive value of the alternatingcurrent potential impressed between its associated line conductors 59-45 and (5I-45, as the case may be. Preferably, each voltage regulator tube should start to conduct at an instant approximately 30 after the zero instant in the positive dry type. Depending on the polarity of the supply, ring current is conducted through the igniter 21 of one or the other of the ignitrons i1 or I9, and that ignitron is rendered conductive. During'the succeeding half-period of thesuppiy, ring "current is Aconducted through the igniter ofthe other ignitron, and the latteris rendered conductive.v The ignitrons continue to `conduct alternating 'currentv so longras the movable contactv 2i "of the control relay 23 remains closed.

The actuation of thecontrol relay 23 is dependent on the operation of a timing system.

The latter includes a plurality of thyratrons 3|,

33, 3 5 and'31, each having an anode 39, a cathode 4|, and a control electrode 43 (in addition to any other electrodes 'which the thyratrons yavailable in the. arti mayhave). Each thyratron is connected in an electronic timing circuit designed to perform lone of the sequential timing operations Squeeze ,Weldj" Holdg or Off, of the Welder. The cathodes 4| Yoi? the thyratrons are connected to a line conductor -45 common to all timers. Each' timing circuit includes a timing network 4 1, 59,' 5|, 5., respectively including a capacitor 55 having a variable resistor' 51 connect'ed in parallel therewith. Onel terminal'oi each network'lli to 53 is connected to the control e1ectrode`43`otthe associated thyratron. The other terminal of the network is connected through Vseparate channels to two line conductors 59 and'iiI; to the iirst line conductor 53 through a resistor $3 and 'an adjustable tap of apotentiometer or :voltage divider 55 which'is connected across the circuits 45 and 59, and to the second line conductor 32 through another resistor 68 and the normally closed contact of Van associated relay. The"Squeeze network e1 isconnected to the'line conductor 5|. throughthe `contact 51 of the start relay S'Sjthe' Weld network 59 through the Contact 1i ofthe' vSqueeze relay 13, the Hold network 5i through the contact 15 of the Weld relay 11, and the Oi network 53 through the contact 18 of the Hold relay 8 I vThevcathode line conductor 45 is connected to the center tap ofthe-secondary 83 of a transformer 85. The ,other line conductors'55 and 5| are connectedthrough resistors 81 and 89 to the terminals of the secondarytS, so that the upper and lower halves of the secondary 53 Vconstitute sources of alternating-current voltages 180 out of phase with 'each other,AV these two voltages being measured Vfrom the common intermediate conductcr'll5. 'Between the center conductor 45 and each of the terminal conductors 59 and 5|, an asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator tube 9| and. e3 respectively Vis connected. The cathodes 95 of the regulator tubes are connected together to the vcenter conductor 45 and the anode associated timing networks.

half-period, or the half-period of the supply during which itis conductive.

The regulator tubes 9| and 93 operate to clip the positive peaks of the alternating-current supply voltages, so as to maintain the potentials existing across the line conductors 59-45 and 5|-45 of uniform amplitude and at top positive wave form, regardless of variations in the line voltage of the supply busses I5.

VWhen the lower line conductor 6| is positive relative to the central or cathode line conductor t5, the control electrodes 43 of the thyratrons 3|, 33, v35, 31 are positive relative to their respective cathodes 4|, so thatl said control electrodes 43 act as the anodes of rectiers, and current ows through the associated normally closed contacts 51, 1|, 15 19 to charge each of the capacitors 55 inthe 4associated networks 41, 49, 5|, 5,3 with its right hand plate negative and its left hand plate positive. A bias potential is thus impressed in the control circuit cf veach 'thyratron which is equal to the amplitude of the potential of the hat top 'positive Iwaveof the lower line conductor 6 i this potential being held constant by the'voltage regulator tube 93, regardless of variations in the line voltage of the supply busses I5. During the next half cycle of the supply circuit I5, a constant iiat top positive potential is applied, by the upper line conductor 59, to the anode 39 of each of the thyratrons 3I, 33, 35 and 31, and during this period the potential which is impressed between the control electrodes t3 and the cathodes il ci the thyratrons is composite and is made up of the ilat top positive potential impressed through the voltage dividers from the upper line conductor55 and the bias potential of the The thyratrons, under such circumstances, are at first biased to non-conductivity; the ilat `top positive potential superimposed on the bias is insuicient to render the thyratrons conductive.

To initiate a welding operation, the work II is disposed on the lower electrode 5 and a start switch 99 is closed. Current flows from the upper terminal of the'secondary 53 through the start switch 99, the exciting coil of the start relay 69, a conductorY ill, normally closed contact |53 of the Hold relay 3|, to the center line conductor 45. The start relay is actuated, and is locked in through one of its normally open (but now closed) contacts |55. r'he upper normally open contacts |53 of the relay also close a circuit through the exciting coil of the solenoid |05 which controls the fluid supply for the movable electrode 1. The movable electrode engages the work; when it has properly engaged the work, a back-pressure con tact |01 is closed -Whenthe start relay 59 is actuated, its normally closed Contact 61 is also opened, openingthe' charging circuit for the Squeeze timing capacitor 55. The capacitor, therefore, begins to discharge, atan exponential rate, through its associated' variable' resistor 51 After the capaciton potential has decreased to a predetermined magnitude, the; composite control potential on-jtheliqueezeY 'thyratron 3i becomes suf# ilciently positive; vwith respect' toV the cathode circuit 45,' to render thisY thyratron conductive. UnclensuchV circumstances,A current flows from the` upper terminal ofthesecondary 83; through anothei'now closed` contact His o'itheY start relaytikthebach-pressure contact ID'I; theexcitingscoilloi the "Squeezeire-lay i3; the thyratron; 31T tothev center line conductor 65.1 The Squeeze"interval,1 that is'the timeY intervalbetween they closing ofthe start switches-and' the actuation s of f the= Squeezem relay; is` determined byftiiasetting ofithefvariable,v resistorv 57, inV the Squeeze networkA 41:

When the Squeeze 'relay'73is actuated, its

normallyclosed contact) TIi opens.r The Weld is then` fully,

intervalA capacitor 55, which cligargedjpnow-beginstodischarge through its associated` resistor 57': The* actuation of the Slgueeze' relay also results in the closingoi normallyopen'contacts Hl; Current also flows `in acircuit from the, upper terminal ofthe second# ary'BSQthrough now closedccntact' Iell'of'the start relay BS'Lthe exciting coilci the control.'

relayjtf; the newy closedr Contact' III off the Squeeze relay; andA the` normally closed' contactilI3i0f'the-Weld relay. to the center line The'k controlirelay, 23: is now actuated-closingY thet'ringjcircuits for tlieignitronsvl and IS, and.' welding current` is supplied througl'iY the., Work"v I Ii The ltime interval'during which welding `currentjflows is determinedbythe Weldy networlei Whenv the capacitor 551 in this netn work hasdischargedsuiiiciently, the Weld relayFl/"51sactuated. The lower contacter Il3"of thisr` relay is now opened;` openingthe circuit through the excitingvcoil of the control relay 23. Thejring'circuits'of theignitrons ITand lare thenfopenedand the last'ignitronv to conduct becomesjnonfconductive at an instant following, the` zero instant of the potential supplied toitl by; a', magnitude predetermined by a reactance of the welding transformer.

Theactuationgofthe Weld relay I1 also re.- sultsfin'the opening of its normally closedcontact I and the discontinuance. of thesupply of potential ,to the timingcapacitor Edin the Hold network`5I After a-predetermined time interval., as determined b'ythesetting of th'eiresistor 510i.

the Hold network, the .Hold, relaySi is actuated. The normally. closed contact i o3 of the relay.opens,fopening the circuitvthrough i,he-start relayjli., The, start relay now dropsout, and the' iiuid fp ressure; solenoid .I 05- is deenergizedat IOS,

the... anode circuit. through .the Squeeze and4 Weld thyratrons 3l and 33 respectively opened`l atthebackpressure contact I U1 andthe connection..y 61 i between theM conductor 6I and the Squeeze timing capacitorH 55 in network: 41

closed. When the Squeeze" thyratron 3| is dei-Y- energized,thejSqueeze? relay'13 drops out, open@ inggthe-cii'cuit vof the .exciting coil of` the controlY relay!3 at-icontactA I II and reclcsing thechargr in gircu-it for .the Weld timingv capacitorl 55y .at contactfll.y The droprne,` out of the Weldv re 1ay11doesnot reclosethe charging circuit -for the.: HoldA capacitor.55.'r Thisrcircuit is maintained pacitorf 55 of' the-0ii network 53 isv opened: This capacitor discharges andafter a predetere minedV` time interval, the Off thyratron 37 isenergized andthe OiT relay I I 'Iv actua-ted.' The normally closed contact H9 of this relay is now-- opened, opening the circuit through thel`lolc'i"l thyratron 35=deenergizing the Hold rela-y 8| and resetting the system for another operation- When the-Hold relay S! is deenergized; its norma-lly closed Contact leY recloses the charging circuit for the Oi timing capacitor 55 ofthe timing network 53 and the latter is charged: The On thyratron 3'ibecomes noneconductive asesoon as its anode 39 vis receiving an insunicient positive voltage after charged.

The timing system described above operates to provide accurate timing of the sequence of operations of the welding system. The timing capacitors 55 are charger to a potential'equalv top wave orm potential between the center line conductor e5 and The amplitude of this'- torthe amplitude of the the lower 'conductor e l potential is constant as determined bythe regulator tube S3. The 4firing of the thyratrons'l,

33; 35; and 3l is determined by the four compos-v ite potentials made up oi positive flat top. wave.

form potentials of constant amplitude and the diminishing negative potentials o the discharg-l ing capacitors These constant amplitude potentialsJ are derived atthe taps of the-respec-y tiveA potentiometers o5: between lines i5 and-59! and both these taps and the discharge resistors 51 of the various timing networks el, e9, 5I and 53 can be set to yield the timing desired foreach event. For each thyratron these compositel potentials are uniform throughout an operation and" voltage curve represents the critical grid voltage which is to be exceeded if the thyratrons are to be rendered conductive. |32 represents the potential on the capacitor 55 in one ofthe networks el, lli), 5! and 53, The full line curve itintersecting the dash curve I32 represents the net voltage impressed between the control electrode 43 and the cathode il of any thyratron. This curve 33 is of uniform dat top wave form as shown at its up to the point at which the dash curve I32 rises following the instant i355 when the capacitor begins to discharge.r Following this instant the control electrode-VV curve 'rises rapidly until the point icc when it intersects a critical curve I3I. At this point I36, the associated thyratron is rendered conductive.

Inaccordance with the broader aspects of my invention the various components disclosed in Fig. 1 may be replaced by others without depart.

ing fromY the sc ope of my invention. Typical replacementsnare the following: The electronic' contactor: II--IS may be replaced by one inchid-` ing firing thyratrons, or under the proper ein its grid capacitor is` The dash-dot curvev ISI under each positive half wave oi the anode` The lower dash curve.

thyratrons 3| to 31 for example high vacuum tubes or properly connected rectiers. The capacitor networks 47 to 53 may be replaced by inductive networks.v

Although I have shown and described a certain specific embodiment of my invention, I am fully aware that many modifications are practicable.r My invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

l. For use with an alternating current supply the combination comprising a pair of conductors between which a predetermined alternating potential is to be impressed, a third conductor between which and each of said pair of conductors an alternating potential is to be impressed, a first asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected between said third conductor and one of said pairs of conductors to conduct current of one polarity, and a second asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected between said third conductor, and the other of said pair of conductors to conduct current of thel opposite polarity.

2. In combination, a windingV having a plu rality of taps, a first asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected to conduct current of one polarity between a pair of said taps and a second asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected to conduct current of the opposite polarity between another pair ci said taps.

3. In combination a winding having terminal taps andan intermediate tap, a iirst asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected to conduct current of one polarity between one of supply, a first'asymnietrically inductive voltage regulator connected to conduct current of one polarity between said first terminal and said intermediate tap and a second asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected to conduct current of the opposite polarity between said second terminal and said intermediate tap, said first and second regulators being of the type which become conductive when potentials smaller than said rst and second potentials respectively are impressed between their respective terminals.

5. In co1nbinationa winding having terniinas Vand an intermediate tap, said winding being designed to deliver a irst predetermined alternating current difference of potential between a first V terminal and said intermediate tap and a second alternating current predetermined diierence of potential between a second terminal and said lntermediate tap when said winding is connected to a commercial alternating current supply, a first asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected to conduct current of one polarity between said iirst terminal and said intermediate tap and a second asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected vto conduct currentof the opposite polarity between said second terminal and said intermediate tap, said first and second regu. lators being of the type which become conductive: for voltages occurring at instants displaced by approximately 30 from the zero instants in the periods of said iirst and second alternating potentials respectively.

6. In combination a reactance, a charging circuit for said reactance including a pair of con-a ductors across which a potential of iiat top wave form may be derived when said circuit is connected to a supply and a discharging network for said reactance.

7. In combination a reactance, a charging cir- 8. In combination a reactance, a charging cir-f., cuit for said reactance including a pair of coni ductors across which a potential of flat top wave form may be derived when said circuit is connected to a supply, a discharging network for said reactance, and a second circuit connected to to yconduct current in a direction from said 'control electrode to said cathode.

l0. In combination an electric discharge device having a control electrode, an anode and a cathode; a circuit including in series a winding, a capacitor-resistor network, said control electrode and cathode; an asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected across said winding to conduct current in a direction from said control electrode to said cathode, and provisions for opening said circuit.

11. In combination an electric discharge device having a control electrode, an anode and a cathode; a circuit including in series a winding,

a capacitor-resistor network and said control electrode and cathode; an asyinmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected across said winding to conduct current in a direction from said control electrode to said cathode; a second circuit including in effect in series a second winding, said capacitor-resistor network, said control and said cathode; and a second asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected across said second Winding to conduct current in a direction from said control electrode to said cathode.

12. In combination an electric discharge device having a control electrode, an anode and a cathode, a circuit including in series a winding, acapacitor-resistor network, said control electrode and cathode, an asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected across said winding to conduct current in a direction from said control electrode to said cathode; provisions for opening said circuit, a second circuit including in eiect in series'a, second winding. said capacitor-resisof capacitor-resistor networks each connected to acontrolelectrode of one of said discharge devices at one terminal and to anothercommon conductor at another terminal and an asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator `connected between saidiconductors in a sense such as to conduct T.current .from said control .electrodes fto said icathodes. l

Y14. In combination a pluralitybf electric disfcharge devices each having .arcontroleelectrode raneanode .and a cathode, saidcathodes being. connected to a common conductor, a plurality of capacitor-resistor networks having a plurality of terminals each network connected to a control electrode of one of said discharge devices at one terminal, through a switch and directly to annamed conductor and said other conductor in a sense such as to conduct current from said control electrodes to said cathodes, and another asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected between said rst named conductor and said third conductor in a sense such as to conduct current from said control electrode to said cathode.

15. For use with an alternating current supply the combination comprising a pair of conductors between which a predetermined alternating potential is to be impressed, a third conductor between which and each of said pair of conductors an alternating potential is to be impressed, a iirst asymmetrically conductive gaseous electric discharge device connected between said third conductor and one of said pair of conductors to conduct current of one polarity, and a second asymmetrically conductive gaseous electric discharge device connected between said third conductor, and the other of said pair of conductors to conduct current of the opposite polarity.

16. In combination an electric discharge device having a control electrode, an anode and a cathode; a circuit including in eiect in series a winding, an impedance resistor network, said s control electrode and cathode; and Voltage regulator connected across said winding to conduct current in a direction from said control electrode to said cathode.

17. In combination an electric discharge device having a control electrode, an anode and a cathode; a circuit including in series a winding, a capacitor-resistor network and said control electrode and cathode; a voltage regulator connected across said winding to conduct current in a direction from said control electrode to said cathode; a second circuit including in effect in series a second winding, said capacitor-resistor network, said control and said cathode; and an asymmetrically conductive voltage regulator connected across said second winding to conduct current in a direction from said control electrode to said cathode.

18. In combination an electric discharge device having a control electrode, an anode and a icathode, a icircuit including in series la winding, a capacitor-resistor network, saidgcontrol elec- `trodeand cathodeafvoltage regulator connected across said lwinding to .conduct current in `a vdirectionrfromsaid control electrode to said cathode.; provisions for .opening said circuit, a second circuit includingdneiectinseries asecond .-winding, said capacitor-,resistor network, said vcontrol andsaidcathode; and an asymmetrically conductive voltage vregulator connected across said v`second winding to conductcurrentin afdirection from said Ycontrol electrode to Vsaid cathode.

19. .In combination; a .plurality ofelectric discharge Ydevicesfeach having a control electrode,

andan-anode rvand a cathode, said cathodes beingfconnected'to a common conductor, aplurality of capacitor-resistor networkseach-connected ,toa control -electrodefof one of said discharge devices at,one;terminal;and to another common conductor at another terminal and a voltage regulator connected between said conductors to conduct current from said control electrodes to said cathodes.

20. A timing apparatus comprising: two sources of alternating-current voltages approximately 180 out of phase with each other, said voltages being considered with reference to a common intermediate conductor; means, including a voltage regulator tube, for clipping oi the peaks of the positive half-waves of a first one of said sources and providing an alternating-current control circuit having fairly constant, limited magnitude, maximum positive voltages, said maximum positive voltages being relatively unaffected by variations in the magnitudes of the source voltage; a controlled tube having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode; a controlled device in series circuit relation in the anode-cathode circuit of said tube; a dischargeable reactor network in series circuit relation in the control electrode circuit of said tube, said dischargeable reactor network including an energy-storing means, for holding an impressed voltage, and a shunt-connected discharging resistance; means for energizing the anode-cathode circuit of the tube from the other Voltage source, with the cathode of the tube connected to said common intermediate conductor of the sources; means for charging said dischargeable reactor network from the aforesaid control circuit; circuit means for disconnecting said dischargeable reactor network from its control circuit; and auxiliary circuit means, including a resistor, for connecting said discharging reactor network to the cathode of the tube.

2l. A timing apparatus comprising: two sources of alternating-current voltages approximately 18o out of phase with each other, said voltages being considered with reference to a common intermediate conductor; means, including voltage regulator tubes and resistances in series with said voltage regulator tubes, for clipping ofthe peaks of the positive half-waves of the respective sources and providing two alternating-current control circuits having fairly constant, limited magnitude, maximum positive voltages approximately 180 out of phase with each other, said maximum positive voltages being relatively unaffected by variations in the magnitudes of the source voltages; a controlled tube having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode; a controlled device in series circuit relation in the anode-cathode circuit of said tube; a dischargeable reaCor network in. series circuit relation in the control electrode circuit ofv said tube, said Y the sources; means for charging said dischargeable reactor network from the control circuit which is connected to the other voltage source; circuit means for disconnecting said dischargeable reactor network from its control circuit; auxiliary circuit means for deriving a control electrode voltage from the other control circuit; and auxiliary circuit means, including a resistor, for connecting said discharging reactor networ to said auxiliary circuit means. v 22. In combination a transformer having terminal taps and atleast one intermediate tap; 20

12 an electric discharge device having a control electrode, an anode and a cathode; connections between the anode and one of said terminal taps; connection between said cathode and said intermediate tap; a timing network; and a circuit including in series said other terminal tap, said networkand said cathode in series.

EDWARD C. HARTWIG.

REFERENCES CITED Thetfollowing references are of record in the rile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 15 Number Name Date 1,686,974 Kroger Oct. 9, 1928 '1,960,047 Bedford May 22, 1934 2,130,440 Willis Sept. 20, 1938 2,248,929 Adler July 15, 1941 2,443,100' Edwards June 8, 1948 

